Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins Inc. has purchased Manning Park Resort.
The court appointed sale was approved April 18 with a possession date of today (April 25).
Manning Park Resort has been operating for the past three years in receivership. The Bowra Group took over management of the facility from Gibson Pass Resort Inc. in 2009.
“I’ve always felt that Manning Park Resort was a tremendous facility with everything that it has to offer,” said Kevin Demers, owner of Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins Inc. “There’s no doubt that it’s losing money right now, but we think we can run it more efficiently, have a higher level of service, and bring people back that used to be there.”
The purchase includes the park use permit for the resort and ski operations, as well as the remainder of the park facility operator campground bundle contract. The facility will continue to operate as Manning Park Resort, which is expected to reopen for business in early May.
Equipment and cosmetic upgrades are already in the works, including new maintenance trucks and snowcats to groom the ski hills. Demers said the addition of cabins, chalets, and possibly some full RV hook-up sites in the area near the lodge are being considered for the future, however they will need BC Parks approval before moving forward. He said a shuttle bus between the Manning Park and Sunshine Valley resorts is also a possibility if there’s a need.
Leading the team will be general manager Mike Barker, who has a 28-year history of involvement with Manning Park and the resort. Demers and his family have over 35 years experience developing and operating seven RV Resorts, including Bridal Falls Camperland.
Sunshine Valley RV Resorts & Cabins Inc. is currently pursuing additional staff for Manning Park Resort. Resumes can be sent to mike@htr.ca.